The safe and efficient handling of drums and cylinders is essential in industries where these items are regularly moved, stored, or processed. Whether you're working in a warehouse, factory, or manufacturing plant, selecting the right equipment can greatly improve your workflow, protect your team, and enhance safety. In this blog, we’ll cover the key factors to consider when choosing the right drum and cylinder handling equipment for your needs.
The first step in choosing the right equipment is understanding the weight and size of the drums or cylinders you need to handle. Regardless of whether you’re moving smaller gas cylinders or larger industrial drums, it’s crucial to select handling equipment that can safely bear the load.
For example, if you’re lifting heavier drums, a drum truck designed for larger capacities would be ideal, whereas drum lifting equipment may be more suitable for smaller, lighter loads. 
Hydraulic Drum Truck Standard Model
Think about the operation you’ll be performing. If you’re lifting and moving drums frequently over short distances, a drum truck or drum lifter with wheels for easy mobility may be the best choice.
For heavier or more stationary operations, like placing drums on shelves or transport vehicles, our forklift attachments or cylinder handling equipment can provide the necessary support and lift. Selecting equipment based on whether it needs to be portable or stationary will significantly impact the efficiency of the operations.
Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to lifting heavy loads, so it’s important to choose equipment with the right safety features. Here’s some safety features to consider:
Make sure the drum truck or drum lifter has secure handles or locking features to prevent accidents during lifting and transportation.
Look for lifting tools with anti-slip materials on handles and surfaces for enhanced grip and safety.
For cylinder handling equipment, ensure there are cradles or stable platforms to secure cylinders, especially when moving them over uneven terrain or lifting them to high shelves.
Cylinder Storage / Transport Pallet
If your operations require frequent movement of drums and cylinders, choosing equipment that offers ease of movement is essential. Drum trucks with swivel wheels or easy-to-use handles can help reduce operator fatigue while increasing productivity. If you're working in tight spaces, choose cylinder handling equipment that allows for tight turns and easy manoeuvrability.
The environment in which you’ll be using the equipment is another key factor. If you’re working in outdoor or harsh environments, consider equipment made from durable materials such as stainless steel or corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand the elements.
For warehouse or indoor settings, standard drum lifters or forklift attachments should suffice, but always make sure the equipment is both built to last and suited to the environment.
Fork Mounted Underslung Scoop
Don’t feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right drum and cylinder handling equipment for your needs. By considering the factors outlined above, you can choose the perfect equipment to best suit your needs.
Here at UK Lifting Store, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of reliable and high-quality solutions, from drum grabs to tipping skips, cylinder lifts, and more. For personalised advice tailored to your unique requirements, get in touch with our expert team today. Choose right with UK Lifting Store.
